5/6: Livestock Workshop in Maquoketa
5/7: Clover Kids Bucket of Blooms Workshop Open House (1/2), 2-4 pm
5/10: Clover Kids Bucket of Blooms Workshop Open House (2/2), 4-7 pm
5/11: Open until 7 pm for animal ID help
5/15: Office open 8:30-5:00 pm for help
5/18: Pre-Fair Leader Meeting, 6:30 pm
5/29: Extension Office Closed
 
*Dog Workshops on Mondays
*No youth council meeting this month!
 
6/4: Farm Crops Workshop (see page 8)
6/28: Night at the Drive-In Theatre 
5/15: Animal ID deadline in 4hOnline
5/15: 4-H’ers for 4-H funds Due
5/15: Hall of Fame/Meritorious Service Nominations Due
5/15: Check t-shirt size in 4hOnline
5/15: Enrollment fees paid
 
 
 
Regular Extension Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
A Note from Your CYC…
Now is a great time to work on write ups for Conference Judging Day! What kinds of exhibits do you plan to bring? Are there any you could enter in multiple classes? For example, you could make a poster and give an educational presentation about the poster. We have an example write-up form on the County Fair website. Check it out under the “All Conference Judging Day Classes” section. You should include your goal, steps to achieve your goal, most important things you learned. The example includes additional helpful questions to answer to strengthen your write up!

Happy May! 
Amanda Rau
PS—there’s only 76 days until county fair!
May 2023
Clinton County 4-H News
Newspaper Fair Coverage
The Observer is looking for a part time (20 hours/week) summer intern to assist with fair photo coverage, along with interviewing our Students Who Succeed and writing their feature stories. They prefer someone who has experience with photography - but can train the right person/people as well! Reach out to Wendy McCartt for more information: wmccartt@dewittobserver.com.
 
Check Your T-Shirt Sizes
T-Shirts will be ordered for each 4hOnline enrolled member and volunteer courtesy of the Clinton County 4-H Foundation. Be on the lookout for an email with the size currently entered in 4hOnline. If you need to change it, you’ll need to reply to that email. Pay close attention to if the shirt is ADULT or YOUTH size! Shirts will be ordered May 16th. No exchanges.
 
Club Leader Pre-Fair Meeting
Who: 4-H & Clover Kids Club Leaders
When: May 18th at 6:30 pm, supper provided
Where: Extension Office
What to expect: Review schedules, answer questions, timeline with Amanda being gone, introducing summer help, member packet review
 
Did you get your fair book?
Check with your 4-H kiddo! Check with your club leader! Check with the Extension Office! A fair book was ordered for your family. You should have received it by now. It is safety green.
 
Animal Identification—5/15 - Need a help sheet? Page 3!!
Who: 4th-12th grade exhibitors 
Animals that MUST be identified for 4-H/ FFA members include: beef, bucket bottle calf, dairy cattle, dogs, all goats, horses, pets, sheep, and swine.
  • 4-H members– identify via 4hOnline.
  • FFA members—identify via Google Spreadsheet, ask your advisor.
 
REMEMBER: This process only identifies the animal. You will still need to enter the animal in a specific class through FairEntry by July 1. (FairEntry is open now if you want to do both steps.) Page 42 in the fair book explains it.
 
We will help you!! We want to help you succeed! You can call our office, stop by anytime, visit during extended office hours, email clinton4h@iastate.edu, send a pigeon! We do not know you need help until you ask! After May 15, we cannot help you. This is a state-wide deadline for animal identification. The Clinton County Extension Council also voted there will be no exceptions. Get your animals identified.
 
“Member Link” Emails
Every Wednesday now through August, all 4hOnline enrolled members will receive an email with 4-H/FFA Reminders, Clover Kids Reminders, Key Dates, and a “Where do I find…” section. Emails will have ~3 bullets in each section. They are EASY to digest! We will archive them on our website too.
 
Horse Committee Workshops
For 2023, the horse committee has chosen four dates for workshops. Exhibitors must attend at least one. Workshop options are:
  • · June 6, 6-7:30 pm at the Fairgrounds
  • · June 14, 6-7:30 pm at the Fairgrounds
  • · June 27, 6-7:30 pm at the Fairgrounds
  • · July 11, 6-7:30 pm at the Fairgrounds
Please review the letter mailed to exhibitors for additional information and horse updates.
 
Senior Send-Off—Congrats!
Congratulations to our 4-H members who will be graduating this month! Best of luck with your next adventure, you will be missed!
  • · Anissa Sailer, Iowanna
  • · Avery Voss, Equine Fever
  • · Brody Proctor, DeWitt Hustlers
  • · Caleb Cain, Delmar Hot Shots
  • · Elyce Burzlaff, Iowanna
  • · *Jena Edwards, Orange Future Leaders
  • · Joe Vickers, Orange Future Leaders
  • · Joshua Lippens, DeWitt Hustlers
  • · Liam McConohy, DeWitt Hustlers
  • · *Lucas Bratthauer, DeWitt Hustlers
  • · Lydia Hoffman, Orange Future Leaders
  • · *Paul Kuehn, DeWitt Hustlers
  • · *Reagan Hofer, DeWitt Hustlers
  • · Shelby, Wegener, Goose Lake Jr. Feeders
  • · Tobey Griem, DeWitt Hustlers
  • · *Ty Gravert, Mohawk
*Clinton 4-H Foundation Scholarship Recipient
 
FairEntry is for ALL classes
You can identify animals and sign up for classes at the same time. (Previously you identified now and signed up for classes after June 1.) They are still TWO different websites:
  • · Animal Identification is in 4hOnline (or Google Spreadsheet for FFA)
  • · Entries/Classes are all in FairEntry
You MUST identify your animal FIRST and then sign up for classes through FairEntry. Need help? Visit the County Fair website.
 
The deadline is still 11:59 pm on July 1 for the Clinton County Club Show in FairEntry.
  • · 4-H members—you must log into FairEntry with your 4hOnline account.
  • · FFA members—Please follow this flow chart.
 
FairEntry houses ALL entries for 4-H/FFA classes as well as Clover Kids classes. You’ll sign up for Fashion, Conference Judging Day, Livestock, Horticulture, Communications, Pets, Dogs, and more classes through FairEntry.
 
2023 Clinton County Club Show FairEntry: https://clintoniowa.fairentry.com/
 
Hall of Fame and Meritorious Service Nominees
Please help us recognize outstanding volunteers by submitting a nomination form by May 15. Hall of Fame inductees can be found here. Past Meritorious Service inductees can be found here. Award recipients are recognized at the Clinton County Fair on Thurs., July 20. We can keep a secret or share with them ahead of time!
 
Youth Council Hosts… 4-H Movie Night!
Save the date for a family-friendly movie night at the Voy 61 Drive In Theatre. Sponsored by the Clinton Youth Council, this event will be a fun way to spend an evening this summer. Pre-movie activities include swing set, tether ball, sandbox, whiffle ball diamond, basketball, and volleyball. Pull into the theatre after 6:30 pm to save your spot in the front-half of the theatre.
 
When: June 28 (can arrive after 6:30 pm)
Cost: None!
 
Other key details:
  • · All guests must leave no more than 20 minutes after the movie is finished.
  • · The concenssion stand will be open for food, snack, and beverage purchases.
  • · We don’t know the movie yet :)
  • · The movie starts when it’s dark.
  • · Movie sound is heard by tuning your car or portable radio to 88.5 FM. (There are a limited number of portable radios available for rent in the concession stand.)
  • · Bring along a lawn chair and blanket.
  • · No pets are allowed.
  
YQCA Certifications Due 5/15
Please remember to send clinton4h@iastate.edu a copy of your YQCA certificate if you show the following species.
  • · Beef
  • · Bucket Bottle Calves
  • · Dairy Cattle/Goat
  • · Meat Goat
  • · Poultry
  • · Rabbit
  • · Sheep
  • · Swine
The goal of this program is to help youth and their parents better understand what they can do to produce the safest food possible. One more instructor-led training is available on May 6 at 12:45 in Maquoketa at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. Otherwise, members must take the web-based training. Find help sheets on the County Fair website.
 
Last call for pig tags!
If you need tags to identify pigs for county or state fair, please contact Amanda ASAP. You can also fill out this online survey. All swine DNA samples must be returned to the Extension Office by noon on May 15 so they can be mailed on time.
 
Fair Board Workshop
If you’re interested in learning about the Fair Queen Contest put on by the Clinton County Fair Board, check out their upcoming workshop on May 10th! RSVP to Mary at 563-659-1624.

Fair Board Farm Crops Workshop - June 4th
Learn where to find available crops and how to prepare them for this open class portion of the Clinton County Fair. You'll leave with at least one project done! Check out page 8 of the newsletter for more information. Questions? Call 563-357-3944.

Clinton County Clover Kids News
Upcoming Club Meetings
As always, please confirm with your club leader for the most up-to-date information!
  • Cal-Wheat CK - TBD
  • Delmar CK - 5/7 at 4:00 pm
  • DeWitt CK - 5/14 at 4:00 pm
  • Elk River Eagles CK - 5/9 at 5:00 pm
  • Goose Lake CK - 5/10—bucket of blooms
  • Grand Mound CK - TBD

Bucket of Blooms Open House
Register by 5/5 at https://v2.4honline.com
Cost: $0
Grades: K-3rd grade Clover Kids
When: May 7, 2-4 pm or May 10, 4-7 pm
Where: Theisen’s in DeWitt
 
About: Thanks to sponsors, we are excited to offer two open house opportunities for Clover Kids to learn how to plant their very own bucket of blooms! A parent or guardian must attend with the child. You do not need to bring any supplies! Clover Kids will select which flowers to plant, learn where to place their bucket at home, and learn how often to water their flowers. All buckets can be entered into the “Bucket of Blooms” contest during the Clinton County Fair.

Sponsors - Theisen's of DeWitt, Dan & Jerry's Greenhouses, Clinton County Master Gardeners

Fair Activity Highlight - Conference Judging Day
Clover Kids members can participate in a ton of different ways at the Clinton County Fair. One way is at Conference Judging Day!
 
Youth select up to three of their favorite exhibits to bring. Adults will ask about their exhibits before the fair (on July 14). All exhibits are displayed in the Auditorium during fair. Youth DO NOT do a write up—that is for 4-12th grade.
 
What kinds of exhibits are ok? Basically anything! A Lego project, painting, baking something, flower pots, school projects!

Recipe of the Month - Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bites
Serve these Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bites for a quick breakfast or snack. Link to full recipe on Spend Smart. Eat Smart.
 
Do Clover Kids ID animals?
No. Clover Kid (K-3rd grade) members do not need to identify animals in 4hOnline. This step is for 4-12th grade youth only.
 
Do Clover Kids register for classes through FairEntry?
Yes! Clover Kids are highly encouraged to pre-register for classes through FairEntry by July 1. This helps staff help you be successful at the fair. Names will be printed in programs and members will receive an exhibitor number if they register through FairEntry. Help Sheet available.

Fair Board Farm Crops Workshop - June 4th
Learn where to find available crops and how to prepare them for this open class portion of the Clinton County Fair. You'll leave with at least one project done! Check out page 8 of the newsletter for more information. Questions? Call 563-357-3944.
Region 4-H News
Last Call - Livestock Workshop for Clinton, Dubuque, Jackson
Last call to register for the multi-species livestock workshop on 5/6 in Maquoketa. It will focus on beef, swine, sheep, and meat goats. Register through 4hOnline by May 3 preferred! Informational flyer found on Youth Programs.
 
Crop Scout School
 Who: HS youth and adults
When: May 17th, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Crawfordsville (~1.5 hrs SW of DeWitt)
Cost: $100 by May 12th
About: This scout school is intended to be a foundational course, providing essential information for effective and efficient crop scouting, and is designed for beginning crop scouts or those that want a fresher. Topics will include crop disease identification, weed identification, crop issues and challenges, and hands-on practice out in the field. More information online.
 
Swiss Valley Day Camp
Who: 4-6th grade youth
When: June 14 from 9-3 pm
Where: Swiss Valley (near Peosta)
Cost: $25
Register: v2.4honline.com
About: Camp activities include fishing, hiking, water games, snacks and more! Plan to bring a sack lunch, water bottle, change of clothes, closed toe shoes, sunscreen and bug spray. See flyer for more information.
State 4-H News
Virtual Home Improvement Workshop on May 11
Thursday, May 11 from 5:30-6:30 PM via Zoom
Register through 4hOnline Events.
About: 4-12th grade 4-H members are invited to join this 4-H workshop to explore the home improvement project area. Workshop attendees will gather virtually to meet other youth interested in home improvement, learn about paint and varnishes from an expert, and create a project action plan that includes setting a project learning goal. Participants will gain insight into what 4-H judges look for in a home improvement exhibit and have fun along the way! 

Equine Extravaganza Results
Congrats to the following members from Equine Fever! Way to represent yourselves and Clinton!
 
Junior Horse Judging Individuals
  • · Bristol Bierle 2nd place
  • · Piper Bierle 5th place
  • · Hadley Schultz 8th place
  • · Sadie Johnson 10th place
Junior Horse Judging Team
  • · 2nd Place—Piper, Sadie, Trinity, Bristol
  • · 4th Place– Rown Eberhart, Reagan Rehn. Sophia Johnson, Sydney Chambers
Junior Hippology Individuals
  • · Piper Bierle 2nd place
  • · Sadie Johnson 5th place
  • · Trinity Tague 6th place
  • · Hadli Schultz 7th place
Junior Hippology Team
  • · 1st place—Piper, Sadie, Trinity, Bristol
 
Coaches: Robin Krogman and Lindsey Tague All Equine Extravaganza Results online.
 
State 4-H Council Member
Congrats to our own Sophia Costello—Charlotte Jr. Producers for earning a spot on the team! State 4-H Council members work directly with Iowa 4-H, representing the program across the state. They also plan the annual Iowa 4-H Youth Conference , which hosts over 700 Iowa youth on the Iowa State University campus. Read more about State Recognition Day results online.
 
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Did you know spending time in nature can improve focus, lower stress, improve your mood, and reduce your risk of developing a mental health condition? What a great reason to unplug from electronics and go outside!
 
When we think of the 4 H’s, head, heart, hands, and health, they’re all stronger when we prioritize our mental health and well-being. With an increase in youth mental illness and suicide and the challenge of balancing everything in our busy lives, Iowa 4-H is committed to offering mental well-being programs and resources for youth and families to learn new tools and skills for healthier lifestyles and managing stress.
 
Check out some of what’s available:
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the free and confidential 9-8-8 Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the U.S.
 
Food and Nutrition Resources Available
First Resource: Foods for Iowa 4-H Fairs – Quick Reference Guide (2023) is an AWESOME resource for anyone wanting to bring food and nutrition exhibits to county fair.
 
Second Resource: Safe Frosting for Iowa 4-H Fairs. You don’t need to print the entire blog post for county fairs. However, you do need to include the recipe and the source of the recipe.
 
If there are any questions about if a specific product can be exhibited at the fair, families/members should email answer@iastate.edu.
  • · If the email comes back with yes, print the email and include it in your write-up or reference in the write-up an email was received with approval and note the date and name of the AnswerLine staff member who said yes.
  • · If the email comes back with no, there are suggestions on how to make the product acceptable for fairs.
 

Clinton County Extension News
Perennial Plant Sale TWO locations and TWO days!
Find lots of outdoor perennial plants and ask the Master Gardeners your questions! You’ll also find house plants for sale. Plant sale flyer.
 
Clinton:
  • · Sat. May 20, 9-5 pm
  • · Sun. May 21, 9-3:30 pm
  • · @ Lyons Four Square Park (Main Ave & Roosevelt St. Clinton)
DeWitt:
  • · Sat. May 20, 8-3 pm
  • · @ Clinton County Fairgrounds
 
Fairy & Gnome Garden Basics Workshop for Kids
 Join our Master Gardeners as they show you the first steps in creating a fairy or gnome garden including choosing plants and using materials found in nature. Fairy & Gnome Flyer
 
Date: May 20
Time: Session I: 9 am to 10 am
Session II: 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Location: Clinton County Fairgrounds
 
Notes:
  • · Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.
  • · Workshop is open to children from 4 years of age and up.
  • · Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
  • · Please bring a container. Soil and plants will be provided.
 
Relay Intercropping Field Day to be Held at Russell Farm near Monticello June 1
Iowa Learning Farms will host a relay intercropping field day on Thursday, June 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Jason Russell’s Farm near Monticello. The free event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.
 
The field day aims to equip attendees with best management practices for establishing and managing a relay intercropping system designed to improve soil health and reduce nutrient losses while increasing productivity and profitability.
 
Reservations required to attend this free event. More information online.
 
Planting Trees in Spring Q&A
Planting a new tree (or trees) is a great way to add beauty to your landscape, improve air quality, provide wildlife habitat and reduce home energy consumption. Planting trees requires specific steps and aftercare to ensure a successful outcome. In this article, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists answer your questions about how to best plant new trees that will enhance your landscape and create a legacy that will be enjoyed for generations.